JP4003456B2 - Print control apparatus and program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a print control apparatus that prints a printed matter with a copy check image for checking copying, and a program therefor.
[0002]
[Prior art]
A copy check image that checks copying is often printed on important printed matter (hereinafter referred to as a form) such as a document in which securities or information to be kept secret is written.
The copy check image is a combination of a lost image that disappears during copying and a remaining image that can be copied. For example, a character string such as “invalid” or “COPY” is used as the remaining image, and a fine image overlapping the remaining image is used as the lost image.
[0003]
Usually, since the remaining image is hidden in the lost image, it appears as a uniform pattern as a whole copy check image. When this form is copied, only the remaining image is copied without copying the lost image, so that only the remaining image is clearly printed on the duplicate.
As described above, when a form with a copy check image is copied, a copy that is clearly different from the original is output, so that an effect of checking illegal copying by a copy machine can be expected.
[0004]
Conventionally, a form with a copy check image has been created by printing various items on a sheet on which a copy check image has been printed in advance. Recently, a copy check image is printed on a plain sheet by a printer owned by the user. Printing is now possible, and the user can create a copy check image with a desired design.
For example, a desired character string can be used as a copy remaining image that is clearly printed during copying.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when creating a copy check image, there is a problem that the remaining image cannot be concealed in the original form unless the lost image is made suitable for the remaining image.
[0006]
In order to conceal the residual image in the original form, it is necessary to use a lost image suitable for the size and font of the residual image so that the boundary between the residual image and the lost image is not noticeable.
However, the operation of creating a lost image in accordance with the remaining image is very troublesome, and normally, a lost image prepared in advance is used in combination with a desired remaining image. For this reason, depending on the character size of the remaining image, the boundary with the lost image becomes conspicuous and may not be concealed.
[0007]
An object of the present invention is to make it possible to easily create a copy check image in which a remaining image is concealed in an original state in a print control apparatus that arbitrarily creates a copy check image and prints it on a printing target.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The print control apparatus of the present invention is a print control apparatus that prints a copy check image including a lost image that is not copied by a copying machine and a remaining image that can be copied by a copying machine. According to the designation means for designating one of the symbols or character strings that are not designated as the remaining image as the residual image, and the character size of the character string designated by the designation means as the lost image or the residual image An image generation means for generating the copy check image by adjusting the size of the design designated by the designation means, and a copy check image generated by the image generation means is displayed and an editing instruction on the display screen is displayed. Editing means for editing the copy check image in accordance with the control means, and control means for printing the copy check image edited by the editing means by the printing device Characterized in that it comprises a.
[0009]
Furthermore, the printing control apparatus of the present invention is a printing control apparatus that prints a copy check image including a lost image that is not copied by a copying machine and a remaining image that can be copied by the copying machine. According to the design direction set in association with the character of the character string designated by the designation means, and designation means for designating one of the symbols or character strings not designated in the lost image as the remaining image An image generation means for generating the copy check image by adjusting the direction of the design designated by the designation means as the lost image or the remaining image, and the copy check image generated by the image generation means is displayed. An editing means for editing the copy check image in accordance with an editing instruction on the display screen, and a copy check image edited by the edit means for printing. And a controlling means for printing by.
[0014]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0015]
First, the configuration will be described.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a form output device 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG. 1, a form output device 1 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 2, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 3, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 4, a storage device 5, a printing device 6, a display unit 7, and an input. A unit 8 and a transmission control unit 9 are provided, and each unit is connected by a bus 10.
[0016]
The CPU 2 reads out system programs and various application programs stored in the storage device 5, expands them in a program storage area (not shown) in the RAM 4, executes various processes based on these programs, and displays the processing results in a work area in the RAM 4. (Not shown) are temporarily stored and displayed on the display unit 7. Further, the CPU 2 stores the processing result in an instructed storage destination in the storage device 5 based on the operation signal input from the input unit 8.
[0017]
Specifically, the CPU 2 reads and executes the business application file 5a in the storage device 5, and executes various business processes corresponding to the input instruction such as creation of an invoice or an estimate. Then, the CPU 2 stores the data created by the business process in the print data memory 41 a in the RAM 4.
Further, the CPU 2 generates a display signal for displaying the data created by the business process and the input contents in the input unit 8, outputs the display signal to the display unit 7, and displays it on the screen of the display unit 7.
[0018]
Further, the CPU 2 executes a printing process (see FIG. 7), which will be described later, in accordance with an instruction input from the input unit 8, generates a copy check image based on various conditions input from the input unit 8, and The printing data and the copy check image created in step 1 are printed on a predetermined sheet by the printing device 6 to create a form.
[0019]
A copy check image is an image composed of a copy lost image that is difficult to be copied by a copying machine and a copy remaining image that can be copied. For example, a minimum dot size that can be detected when a document is read by a copying machine is set. As a reference, this can be realized by configuring the lost image with dots smaller than the reference dot size and configuring the remaining image with dots larger than the reference dot size.
[0020]
The copy lost image can be visually recognized as a pattern on the original form printed by the printing apparatus 6, but is not printed on a duplicate because it is difficult to copy with a copying machine. The copy lost image is arranged so as to conceal the copy remaining image on the original form. On the other hand, the copy remaining image is difficult to visually recognize on the form as a copy lost image, but is not lost when copied by a copying machine, and is clearly printed on a copy. Therefore, when a form (original) with a copy check image printed by the form output device 1 is copied by a copying machine, a copy clearly different from the original is output, so that the original and the copy can be easily distinguished. Can be expected, and the effect of checking illegal copying can be expected.
In the form output apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment, as an example, various patterns such as a striped pattern and a floral pattern are used as a copy lost image, and a character string is used as a copy remaining image.
[0021]
The CPU 2 executes the above-described printing process to select and specify characters, fonts, character sizes, character string angles, character string arrangement states, and patterns used for the copy check image. , Accepts the input of the copy restraint image generation conditions, executes a pattern automatic adjustment process (see FIG. 8), which will be described later, and selects and selects the character attribute table 31 stored in the ROM 3 based on the input generation conditions Adjust the pattern to match the characters.
[0022]
Subsequently, when an instruction to finely adjust the width or angle of the pattern is input to the pattern generated by the automatic pattern adjustment process, the CPU 2 executes a pattern fine adjustment process (see FIG. 9) described later. The pattern is finely adjusted based on the input instruction.
Then, the CPU 2 stores the form data stored in the form data file 5c and the print data stored in the print data file 5d in the form data memory 41b and the print data memory 41a in the RAM 4, and synthesizes them. To generate a form printing data, and further, to synthesize a copy check image data including the adjusted pattern and character string into the form print data, thereby printing a form with a copy check image. Form data is generated, and the printing apparatus 6 prints out the form.
[0023]
Further, the CPU 2 displays the copy check image editing screen 71 (see FIG. 11) for inputting the generation conditions on the screen of the display unit 7 by executing the printing process.
[0024]
The ROM 3 is a non-volatile memory that stores the character attribute table 31 referred to by the CPU 2 in the printing process in a format readable by the CPU 2.
[0025]
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of the character attribute table 31.
As shown in FIG. 2, the character attribute table 31 indicates the character length indicating the length of each character in the horizontal direction of the character and the direction of the pattern suitable for each character for each type of font and character size. This is a table in which a pattern direction to be displayed, a pattern thickness indicating the thickness of a pattern suitable for each character, and a pop-up flag indicating whether or not each character is pop-up displayed on the copy check image editing screen 71 described later are set. .
[0026]
Here, the pattern direction set in the character attribute table 31 will be described.
For example, when a striped pattern is superimposed on the letter “I” and the letter “E”, the letter “I” is a character that occupies a large amount of vertical lines, and therefore it becomes confusing if the vertical stripes are overlapped. On the other hand, the letter “E” contains a lot of horizontal lines, so it becomes confusing when horizontal stripes are overlapped. Therefore, vertical stripes are preferable when the character “I” is concealed with a stripe pattern, and vertical stripes are preferable when the character “E” is concealed with a stripe pattern. As described above, when a character is concealed by combining a pattern with each character, the pattern can be effectively concealed by adjusting the direction of the pattern to an appropriate direction. Therefore, in the form output device 1, a pattern direction suitable for each character is set in the character attribute table 31 as a pattern direction.
[0027]
In the example shown in FIG. 2, the setting values (0, 1) and (1, 0) for the pattern direction are vector representations of the pattern direction. For example, the pattern direction “(0, 1)” is set for the character “I”, and the pattern direction “(1, 0)” is set for the character “E”. This indicates that the pattern direction suitable for the letter “I” is different from the pattern direction suitable for the letter “E” by 90 degrees.
[0028]
In addition, since a character string such as “copy” or “invalid” is often used as a copy check image, the example shown in FIG. 2 is composed of a plurality of characters used together such as “copy” and “invalid”. By considering the character string as one character, the processing efficiency is improved. Furthermore, since the pop-up flag is set to “1” for each of the character strings “Copy” and “Invalid”, they are displayed in a pop-up on the copy check image editing screen 71 described later, and can be selected by a simple selection operation.
[0029]
The RAM 4 expands the system program and various application programs executed by the CPU 2 in a program storage area (not shown), inputs instructions input by operating the input unit 8, input data, and processing results generated by the execution of the programs. For example, data related to the program is temporarily stored in a work area (not shown). The RAM 4 also includes a print memory 41 that stores data for printing a form.
[0030]
FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of the print memory 41. As shown in FIG. 2, in the print memory 41, memory areas of a print data memory 41a, a form data memory 41b, and a composite print data memory 41c are formed.
[0031]
The print data memory 41a is a memory area in which print data such as a supplier name, a product name, and an amount of money created by the business process and printed on a form is stored.
[0032]
The form data memory 41b is a memory area for storing form form data indicating the form of the form, such as the title of the form created by the form output device 1, the date entry column, and the printing position of the ruled line.
[0033]
The composite print data memory 41c stores composite form data obtained by combining the data stored in the print data memory 41a, the data relating to the form of the form stored in the form data memory 41b, and the copy check image. It is a memory area.
[0034]
The storage device 5 stores programs, data, and the like in advance, and includes a storage medium that can be read and written by the CPU 2, such as a magnetic or optical recording medium or a semiconductor memory. This storage medium includes a portable medium such as a CD-ROM and a memory card and a fixed medium such as a hard disk. Further, some or all of the programs, data, and the like stored in the storage medium are received from the transmission control unit 9 via a network such as a WAN (Wide Area Network) or a LAN (Local Area Network) from a server or a client. The storage device 5 may be a storage medium of a server or a client built on a network.
[0035]
A part of or all of the programs, data, etc. stored in the storage medium are received from the transmission control unit 9 via other transmission devices such as a network line from other devices such as servers and clients and stored. Further, the storage device 5 may be a storage medium of a server constructed on a network. Furthermore, the program may be transmitted to a server or a client via a transmission medium such as a network line and installed in these devices.
[0036]
FIG. 4 is a diagram schematically showing a file configuration in the storage device 5. As shown in the figure, in the storage device 5, a business application file 5a, a program file 4b, a form data file 5c, a print data file 5d, a pattern memory 5e, a character repetition reference area memory 5f, a document management file 5g, etc. Each file is stored.
[0037]
The business application file 5a is a file of various application programs executed by the CPU 2, and includes, for example, an application program for performing various business processes such as creation of an estimate and a delivery note.
The program file 5b is a file such as a system program for controlling each part of the form output device 1 by the CPU 2.
[0038]
The form form data file 4c includes form form data indicating the form of the form created by the form output device 1. The form data includes, for example, data for determining the printing positions of various information such as ruled lines, customer names, product names, and amounts for each form such as an estimate, an invoice, and an invoice.
[0039]
The print data file 5d is a file containing print data created by the business process, for example, data such as supplier name, product name, and price.
[0040]
The pattern memory 5e stores a plurality of patterns used for copy check images.
FIG. 5 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration example of the pattern memory 5e. In the example illustrated in FIG. 5, pattern data such as a right-downward oblique line, a left-downward oblique line, and a floral pattern is stored together with pattern type data that is the name of the pattern.
The type of pattern stored in the pattern memory 5e is not particularly limited as long as it can be used as a pattern for a copy check image.
[0041]
In FIG. 4, the character repetition reference area memory 5f stores data indicating the arrangement state of the character strings in the copy check image. Specifically, the line position, the column position, the line interval of the character string in the copy check image, Stores column spacing, vertical distortion, and horizontal distortion data. Here, data stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5f will be described with reference to FIG.
[0042]
FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of the arrangement state of character strings in the copy check image.
In the copy check image 100 shown in FIG. 6, an xy coordinate axis having the upper left corner as the reference position (0, 0) is set.
[0043]
In the drawing, virtual frames indicated by reference signs P1, P2, P3, and P4 indicate basic positions at which characters are arranged in the copy restraint image 100. A character string as a copy remaining image is placed in each virtual frame. Is placed.
In the form output device 1, a character string is arranged in the copy check image 100 with four virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 as one unit. For example, when drawing a copy check image in an area larger than the copy check image 100 shown in FIG. 6, the CPU 2 repeatedly arranges four virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 over the entire area, The copy remaining image is arranged over the entire area.
[0044]
The sizes of the virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 are determined according to the character size and the number of characters input in a printing process (FIG. 7) described later. When the angle of the character string is input, the virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 are tilted according to the angle.
[0045]
The “column position” stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5f indicates the coordinate position in the x-axis direction of the virtual frame P1 located in the upper left corner in FIG. 6, and the “row position” indicates the y-axis direction. Indicates the coordinate position. In addition, “column interval” indicates an interval between adjacent virtual frames in the x-axis direction, and “row interval” indicates an interval between adjacent virtual frames in the y-axis direction.
Accordingly, the position of the virtual frame P1 in the copy check image 100 is determined by the values of “row position” and “column position” stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5f, and is determined by the values of “line interval” and “column interval”. The positions of the virtual frames P2, P3, and P4 are determined.
[0046]
In addition, rectangles indicated by alternate long and short dash lines in FIG. 6 indicate the initial positions of the virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4, and the virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 can be moved from this initial position. It is.
Here, when any of the virtual frames is moved, the other virtual frames are interlocked so that the quadrangle having the four virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 as vertices is always a parallelogram. Moved.
[0047]
Specifically, in the copy check image 100, when the virtual frame P2 moves, the virtual frame corresponding to P2 of the other virtual frame also moves, and when the virtual frame P3 moves, the virtual frame P3 moves. When the virtual frame corresponding to P3 of the other virtual frame is also moved and the virtual frame P4 is moved, the virtual frames P2 and P3 are also moved in conjunction with each other.
For example, in the copy check image 100 shown in FIG. 6, when the virtual frame P4 is moved to the position indicated by reference symbol P4 ′, the virtual frame P2 is moved to the position indicated by reference symbol P2 ′ in conjunction with this, and the virtual frame P3 is moved. Is moved to the position indicated by the symbol P3 ′.
[0048]
Note that the virtual frame P1 is not moved in conjunction with the movement of another virtual frame. Further, when the virtual frame P1 moves, all the virtual frames P1, P2, P3, P4 move in parallel with the movement of the virtual frame P1.
[0049]
When the virtual frame in the copy check image 100 moves, the deviation from the initial position of each virtual frame is stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5f as “horizontal distortion” and “vertical distortion”. Here, “lateral distortion” indicates a deviation in the x-axis direction, and “longitudinal distortion” indicates a deviation in the y-axis direction.
When the virtual frame P1 moves, the “row position” and “column position” stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5f are updated to the values after the movement.
[0050]
As described above, in the form output device 1, the “row position”, “column position”, “row interval”, “column interval”, “vertical distortion”, and “lateral distortion” stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5f. The arrangement of the character string in the copy check image is determined by each data.
[0051]
The printing device 6 is a printer such as a laser printer, an ink jet printer, or a sublimation printer, and prints out various forms according to the control of the CPU 2.
[0052]
The display unit 7 includes a display screen such as a CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) or an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and displays various images according to a display signal input from the CPU 2.
[0053]
The input unit 8 includes a key input device including character keys, numeric keys, and various function keys, a pointing device such as a mouse, and the like, generates an operation signal according to an operation, and outputs the operation signal to the CPU 2.
[0054]
The transmission control unit 9 includes a network card, a modem, a TA (Terminal Adapter), a router, etc. for communicating with an external device through a communication network (not shown).
[0055]
Next, the operation of the present embodiment will be described.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the printing process executed by the CPU 2. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image editing screen 71 displayed on the display unit 7 during execution of the printing process shown in FIG.
[0056]
The copy check image editing screen 71 shown in FIG. 11 includes a character input unit 713 for inputting copy check image generation conditions, a character size selection unit 714, a pattern selection unit 715, a font selection unit 716, and a character angle input unit. 717 is arranged.
[0057]
In the character input unit 713, it is possible to directly input characters to be used as a copy check image, or to select and input from candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of a pop-up button in the character input unit 713. The candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button are characters for which the pop-up flag is set to “1” in the character attribute table 31 of FIG.
[0058]
The character size selection unit 714 can select and input the character size of the character used as the copy check image from the candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button.
In addition, the pattern selection unit 715 can select and input a pattern to be used as a copy check image from pattern candidates displayed as a list in accordance with the operation of the pop-up button. Note that the pattern candidates displayed as a list in response to the operation of the pop-up button are the patterns stored in the pattern memory 5e (FIG. 5).
[0059]
The font selection unit 716 can select and input a character font of characters used as a copy check image from candidates displayed in a list according to the operation of the pop-up button. The character angle input unit 717 can input the angle of the character in the copy check image.
[0060]
A confirmation instruction button 721 for instructing confirmation of the conditions input in the character input unit 713, the character size selection unit 714, the pattern selection unit 715, the font selection unit 716, and the character angle input unit 717 is arranged.
[0061]
In addition, on the copy check image editing screen 71, a preview unit 711 for schematically displaying the copy check image is arranged. The preview portion 711 initially displays a copy restraint image according to the default setting. When an input is confirmed by operating the confirmation instruction button 721, a copy restraint image corresponding to the confirmed input is schematically displayed. The
Further, the preview unit 711 can edit the arrangement state of the character string in the copy check image by moving the copy check character 712 by operating the pointing device of the input unit 8 or the like.
[0062]
Further, the copy check image editing screen 71 is provided with a pattern fine adjustment unit 718 for performing fine adjustment on the copy check image corresponding to the input content confirmed by the operation of the confirmation instruction button 721. The pattern fine adjustment unit 718 includes a pattern angle adjustment unit 719 for inputting a pattern angle and a pattern width adjustment unit 720 for inputting a pattern width.
[0063]
When the CPU 2 starts the printing process shown in FIG. 7, first, the copy check image editing screen 71 is displayed on the screen of the display unit 7 (step S11).
Next, the CPU 2 performs input in each of the character input unit 713, character size selection unit 714, pattern selection unit 715, font selection unit 716, and character angle input unit 717 of the copy check image editing screen 71, and a confirmation instruction button 721. When the input is confirmed by the above operation, the character input in the character input unit 713 is accepted and temporarily stored in the work area in the RAM 4 (step S12). Similarly, the character font selection input in the font selection unit 716 ( In step S12), input of the character size in the character size selection unit 714 (step S13) and input of the angle of the character string in the character angle input unit 717 (step S14) are received and stored in the RAM 4.
[0064]
Further, when the arrangement of the character string in the copy check image is edited by the movement of the copy check character 712 in the preview unit 711, the CPU 2 acquires the edited content and updates the data stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5f. (Step S16). Subsequently, a pattern selection input in the pattern selection unit 715 is received (Step S17).
[0065]
Here, the CPU 2 executes a pattern automatic adjustment process (step S18) according to the input contents received in steps S12 to S17. Details of this pattern automatic adjustment processing will be described later.
[0066]
Next, the CPU 2 accepts the angle (step S19) and the width (step S20) input by the pattern fine adjustment unit 718 for the pattern adjusted by the automatic pattern adjustment process and displayed on the preview unit 711. Then, the CPU 2 executes a pattern fine adjustment process (step S21) according to the width and angle received in steps S19 and S20. Details of the pattern fine adjustment processing will be described later.
[0067]
The CPU 2 executes a copy check image generation process to generate a copy check image composed of the pattern and the character string adjusted by the pattern fine adjustment process (step S22), and temporarily stores it in the work area of the RAM 4 (step S22). Step S23). The copy check image generation process in step S22 will be described later.
[0068]
Further, the CPU 2 generates the form printing data by reading out the form form data and the print data relating to the form to be printed by the printing device 6 from the form form data file 5c and the print data file 5d, respectively, and synthesizing them ( Step S24). The CPU 2 then synthesizes the form printing data generated in step S23 and the copy check image generated in step S22 to generate combined form data (step S25), and prints based on the generated combined form data. Form printing is executed by the device 6 (step S26).
[0069]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the pattern automatic adjustment process shown in step S18 of FIG.
In the pattern automatic adjustment process shown in FIG. 8, the CPU 2 reads the pattern data received in step S17 from the pattern memory 5e (step S31), and further receives the character size received in step S14 and the character received in step S13. The font is read from the work area of the RAM 4 (steps S32 and S33).
[0070]
Then, the CPU 2 refers to the character attribute table 31 based on the character size and character font read from the RAM 4, and adjusts the pattern width according to the pattern thickness set in the character attribute table 31 (step S34).
[0071]
Subsequently, the CPU 2 reads the first character of the character received in step S12 of FIG. 7 from the work area of the RAM 4 (step S35), and acquires the pattern direction set in the character attribute table 31 in association with the character. And temporarily stored in the RAM 4 (step S36).
Here, when there is a character that has not acquired the pattern direction among the characters received in step S12 (step S37; No), the CPU 2 reads the next character from the work area of the RAM 4 and returns to step S36. Further, when the pattern direction is acquired for all the characters received in step S12 (step S37; Yes), the CPU 2 determines the direction in which the pattern and the character string are combined based on the pattern direction of all the characters stored in the RAM 4. Determine (step S39).
[0072]
In this step S39, when a plurality of pattern directions are stored in the RAM 4, the CPU 2 calculates the number of characters for each pattern direction, and selects a pattern direction having a larger number of characters to combine the character string and the pattern. To decide. Further, when the number of characters in the plurality of pattern directions is equal, the CPU 2 calculates the sum of the character lengths for each pattern direction, and selects the pattern direction having the larger sum of the character lengths, thereby obtaining the character string and the pattern. Determine the direction to combine.
[0073]
Then, the CPU 2 reads the data stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5f (step S40), and further executes an arithmetic process for rotating the pattern data in accordance with the angle of the character string according to the direction determined in step S39. (Step S41), a copy check image is generated by combining the character string and the pattern (Step S42).
[0074]
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the pattern fine adjustment processing shown in step S21 of FIG.
In this pattern fine adjustment process, the CPU 2 uses the angle received in step S19 (FIG. 7) (step S51) and the pattern width received in step S20 (FIG. 7) (step S52) as a work area (illustrated) in the RAM 4. Read sequentially.
[0075]
Then, the CPU 2 adjusts the pattern width in accordance with the width read in step S52 (step S53), and executes arithmetic processing for rotating the pattern data in accordance with the angle read in step S51 (step S54). Then, a process for combining the adjusted pattern and the character string is executed to generate a copy check image (step S55).
[0076]
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the copy restraint image generation process shown in step S22 of FIG.
In this copy check image generation process, the CPU 2 draws dots for the copy remaining image in the entire print area of the form (step S61). The dots drawn here are, for example, those having a size larger than the minimum limit that can be read by a copying machine. The print area is an image development area set in accordance with the area where the copy check image is to be printed on the form.
[0077]
Subsequently, the CPU 2 draws a dot for the copy lost image by performing an XOR (exclusive OR) with the dot drawn in step S61 on the entire print area in which the dot is drawn in step S61. That is, the CPU 2 draws the dot for the copy lost image in the entire print area, and erases the dot at the position overlapping the dot drawn in step S61.
Note that the dots drawn in step S62 are of a size below the minimum limit that can be read by a copying machine, for example.
[0078]
Subsequently, the CPU 2 arranges the character string in accordance with the data stored in the character repetition reference area memory 5f, superimposes the character string on the print area drawn in step S62, and draws the drawn dots and character strings. And the dot is erased (Step S63). That is, the CPU 2 deletes other dots while leaving only the drawn dots at positions overlapping the character string image.
As a result, a character constituted by a mixture of dots for the lost copy image and the dots for the remaining copy image is obtained.
[0079]
Next, the CPU 2 draws the dot for the copy lost image on the entire print area processed in step S63 by XORing with the already drawn dot (step S64). That is, the CPU 2 draws a dot for the copy lost image in the entire print area, and erases the dot at a position overlapping with the dot left in step S63. As a result, the dots for the lost copy image are drawn in the entire print area, and the dots for the remaining copy image are drawn in the form of a character string. Also, since the dots for the lost copy image are drawn in the gaps between the dots for the remaining copy image drawn in the form of character strings so as not to overlap with the dots, the dots for the remaining copy image are good. It is hidden.
[0080]
Further, the CPU 2 arranges the patterns finely adjusted in step S21 (FIG. 7), and performs AND with the already drawn dots on the print area drawn in step S64 (step S65). That is, the CPU 2 deletes other dots while leaving only the dots that overlap the pattern among the dots drawn in the print area.
For example, in the case of using a floral pattern having a white portion in the shape of a petal, in the print region drawn in step S64, in the portion that overlaps the white portion in the shape of a petal, the drawn dot Is erased.
As a result, the dots for the lost copy image are drawn in the entire print area, and the entire print area in which the dots for the remaining copy image are drawn in the form of the character string is covered with the pattern.
[0081]
FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image in the present embodiment. FIG. 12A shows an example of a copy check image in the original printed by the printing apparatus 6, and FIG. Indicates the state.
[0082]
In the example shown in FIG. 12A, the copy check image 101 is printed over the entire frame. The copy check image 101 includes a copy disappearance image 102 printed on the whole and a copy remaining image 103 having a character string “copy”. In the form output device 1, a pattern is formed on the entire copy check image 101. However, for convenience of explanation, the pattern is not shown in FIG. Further, in the example shown in FIG. 12A, for convenience of explanation, the copy lost image 102 and the copy remaining image 103 are shown to be visually identifiable. However, in the form actually printed out, It is difficult to visually recognize the character string “copy”.
[0083]
The copy check image 101 shown in FIG. 12A changes as shown in FIG. 12B by copying with a copying machine. That is, the copy lost image 102 is lost by copying by the copying machine, while the copy remaining image 103 is printed more clearly than the original shown in FIG.
[0084]
FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a main part of the copy check image shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 13, the copy lost image 102 is composed of fine dots and blanks. On the other hand, the copy remaining image 103 is composed of dots larger than the dots constituting the copy check image 101 and blanks.
[0085]
The dots constituting the copy lost image 102 have a size smaller than the resolution of a general copying machine and cannot be read by the copying machine or are very difficult. However, since this copy lost image 102 is composed of a large number of dots, some pattern or color can be visually recognized on the original form. On the other hand, the dots constituting the copy residual image 103 conform to the resolution of the copying machine and can be easily read and reproduced by the copying machine. For this reason, it is printed clearly at the time of copying. However, in the state before copying, since it overlaps with the copy lost image 102, it is difficult to recognize it visually.
[0086]
Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 13, the copy check image 101 is provided with a floral pattern throughout. This floral pattern is formed by interspersed with white portions in the shape of petals in both the copy lost image 102 and the copy remaining image 103.
In this way, by arranging the pattern on the entire copy check image 101, the copy lost image 102 and the copy remaining image 103 are confused, and the copy remaining image 103 is more reliably concealed in the original form. .
[0087]
Further, if the blanks constituting the copy remaining image 103 are fine and have a size smaller than the resolution of the copying machine, it is difficult to read and reproduce the blanks of the copy remaining image with the copying machine. In this case, the copy remaining image is printed darker than the original because dots are reproduced while blanks are not reproduced.
[0088]
Accordingly, when a form with a copy check image is copied, the copy lost image 102 disappears, the copy remaining image 103 is printed darker than the original copy, and a completely different form is created as a result. Since it is clear that this form is a duplicate of copying, unauthorized copying can be suppressed.
[0089]
12 and 13 show an example in which the character string “copy” is used as the remaining copy image 103 and only the character string “copy” is copied when copied by a copying machine. It is also possible to configure so that only the character string “copy” becomes a white character without being copied when copied by a machine. An example of this is shown in FIG.
[0090]
FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another example of the copy check image shown in FIG.
In the example shown in FIG. 14, the copy lost image 102 composed of fine dots forms a character string “copy”, and a portion other than the character string is a copy remaining image 103 composed of relatively large dots. It has become. When the copy check image shown in FIG. 14 is copied, only the portion of the character string “copy” is not copied, and the portion other than the character string is copied. The copy check image shown in FIG. 14 is an image in which the character string “copy” is outlined when copied by a copying machine.
[0091]
Next, an estimate will be described as an example of a form printed out by the form output device 1.
FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of form form data stored in the form form data file 5c in the storage device 5 when an estimate is created by the form output device 1. The form form data shown in FIG. 15 includes data on the form of the estimate, such as the ruled line position of the form and the date printing position.
[0092]
FIG. 16 shows print data included in the print data file 5 d of the storage device 5. The print data shown in FIG. 16 includes data such as product names and prices that are generated by a business application and should be printed on a form.
[0093]
The form printing data shown in FIG. 17 is obtained by combining the form form data shown in FIG. 15 and the print data shown in FIG. If this form printing data is printed as it is, a general estimate can be created.
[0094]
FIG. 18 shows an example of a copy check image generated when an estimate is created. The copy check image shown in FIG. 16 includes a copy lost image 102 arranged in the entire print area 104 and a copy remaining image 103 having a character string “copy”.
[0095]
Then, when the form printing data shown in FIG. 17 and the copy check image shown in FIG. 18 are combined, composite form data as shown in FIG. 19 is obtained.
In the composite form data shown in FIG. 19, the copy check image is arranged only in the area where the product name, price, etc. are described in the estimate. For this reason, according to the composite form data shown in FIG. 19, it is possible to check the copying of the part in which the data such as the product name and the price is described.
[0096]
When a form in which the composite form data shown in FIG. 19 is printed by the printing apparatus 6 is copied by a copying machine, a character string “copy” printed as a copy remaining image appears clearly as shown in FIG. Accordingly, in copying by a copying machine, only a completely different copy from the original form created by the form output device 1 can be obtained, so that unauthorized copying can be suppressed.
[0097]
As described above, according to the embodiment to which the present invention is applied, when creating a copy check image, the selection of the pattern used as the copy lost image and the character, character size, and character of the character string used as the copy remaining image When the font and character angle are entered, the width and angle of the selected pattern are automatically adjusted according to the character, character size, character font, and character angle of the input character string, and a copy check image is generated. Is done. The generated copy check image has a visual effect that the copy remaining image and the copy lost image are confused, and the copy remaining image is concealed on the original form created by the form output apparatus 1.
For this reason, by simply inputting various conditions for characters used as a copy remaining image and selecting a pattern used as a copy lost image, a good copy check image in which the copy remaining image is reliably concealed in the original state can be obtained. Can be created.
[0098]
In the form output device 1, if the generated copy restraint image is displayed in the preview portion 711 of the copy restraint image editing screen 71 and the pattern angle and width are input to the pattern fine adjustment portion 718, the copy is performed. The check image is finely adjusted. Thereby, the state of the copy lost image can be arbitrarily adjusted by a simple operation.
[0099]
Therefore, according to the form output device 1, a good copy check image in which the copy remaining image is surely concealed in the original state can be created by a simple operation.
[0100]
In the above embodiment, the character string is used as the copy remaining image. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various patterns may be used as the copy remaining image. Further, the copy lost image is not limited to the striped pattern or the floral pattern, and various designs combining various curves, straight lines, figures, characters, and the like can be used.
Further, the print color of the copy check image is arbitrary, and the copy remaining image may be concealed by changing the print color of the copy remaining image.
[0101]
Further, when adjusting the width of the pattern or the like, the form itself may be adjusted according to the character size when printing the print data on the form so that the form itself is not difficult to see due to the copy lost image.
Furthermore, as a technique for editing the arrangement state of the remaining copy image, a technique based on the four virtual frames P1, P2, P3, and P4 shown in FIG. 6 has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and other Of course, the detailed configuration such as the specific configuration of each part of the form output device 1 can be changed as appropriate.
[0102]
Furthermore, in the above embodiment, the pattern fine adjustment processing of FIG. 9 is executed in accordance with the input in the pattern fine adjustment unit 718 of the copy check image editing screen 71, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to finely adjust the pattern by manipulating the angle of the character string or the pattern displayed on the preview unit 711 with the pointing device of the input unit 8.
Hereinafter, this example will be described as a modification.
[0103]
[Modification]
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a process executed instead of the pattern fine adjustment process (FIG. 9) in the above embodiment.
In the process shown in FIG. 21, when the CPU 2 detects that the handle displayed on the preview unit 711 (FIG. 11) has been rotated by the operation of the pointing device of the input unit 8 (step S71; Yes), the operation amount In accordance with the calculation processing, the pattern is rotated (step S72), and the calculation processing is performed to rotate the character string in accordance with the rotation of the pattern (step S73).
[0104]
Further, when the CPU 2 detects that the character string displayed on the preview unit 711 (FIG. 11) has been rotated by operating the pointing device of the input unit 8 (step S71; No), the CPU 2 determines the character according to the operation amount. Arithmetic processing for rotating the column is performed (step S75), and further, arithmetic processing for rotating the pattern in accordance with the rotation of the character string is performed (step S76).
[0105]
If the pointing device operation of the input unit 8 is neither a pattern rotation nor a character string rotation, the CPU 2 causes the display unit 7 to display an error message (step S77).
[0106]
According to the process shown in FIG. 21, the angle of the pattern or character string, that is, the copy lost image and the copy remaining image can be adjusted by the operation in the preview portion 711 of the copy check image editing screen 71 (FIG. 11). Compared to the case where the value such as the angle is directly input by the pattern fine adjustment unit 718 of the copy check image editing screen 71, more intuitive operation is possible, the work load is further reduced, and the copy check image is easily created. it can.
[0107]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, since the size of the pattern of the lost image or the remaining image can be automatically adjusted according to the size of the character string designated as the lost image or the remaining image, the lost image or the remaining image according to various sizes of the character string. An image can be generated and the remaining image can be effectively concealed.
[0108]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, the symbol as the lost image or the remaining image can be automatically adjusted according to the symbol direction set in association with the character of the character string designated as the lost image or the residual image. A lost image or a residual image corresponding to each character of the character string can be generated, and the residual image can be effectively concealed.
[0109]
Furthermore, according to the present invention, for a character string composed of a plurality of characters, the pattern direction is selected according to the number of characters, so that a lost image or a residual image corresponding to each character of the character string can be generated. It can be effectively concealed.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a form output device 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a character attribute table 31 stored in a ROM 3 of FIG.
3 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration of a print memory 41 in a RAM 4 of FIG. 1. FIG.
4 is a diagram schematically showing a file configuration in the storage device 5 of FIG. 1; FIG.
5 is a diagram schematically showing a configuration example of a pattern memory 5e in FIG. 4; FIG.
6 is a diagram showing an example of a character string arrangement state in a copy check image created by the form output device 1 of FIG. 1; FIG.
7 is a flowchart showing a printing process executed by the form output device 1 of FIG.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing in detail the pattern automatic adjustment process shown in step S18 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing in detail the pattern fine adjustment processing shown in step S21 of FIG. 7;
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing in detail the copy restraint image generation process shown in step S22 of FIG.
11 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image editing screen 71 displayed on the display unit 7 during execution of the printing process shown in FIG. 7;
12 is a diagram showing an example of a copy check image generated by the form output device 1 of FIG. 1. FIG. 12A shows a copy check image printed on a form by the form output device 1, and FIG. Indicates a case where the copy check image shown in FIG.
13 is an enlarged view of a main part of the copy check image shown in FIG.
14 is an enlarged view of a main part showing another example of the copy check image shown in FIG. 13;
15 is a diagram showing an example of form form data stored in the form form data file 5c of FIG.
16 is a diagram showing an example of print data stored in the form data file 5d of FIG.
17 is a diagram showing an example of form printing data obtained by combining the form form data shown in FIG. 15 and the print data shown in FIG. 16;
18 is a diagram illustrating an example of a copy check image generated by the form output device 1. FIG.
19 is a diagram showing an example of a form obtained by printing the form printing data shown in FIG. 17 and the copy check image shown in FIG.
20 is a diagram showing a state of a duplicate obtained by copying the form shown in FIG. 19 with a copying machine.
FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the operation of the form output device 1 in a modification of the embodiment to which the present invention is applied.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 Form output device
2 CPU
3 ROM
31 Character attribute table
4 RAM
41 Print memory
41a Print data memory
41b Form data memory
41c Composite print data memory
5 storage devices
5a Business application file
5b Program file
5c Report form data file
5d print data file
5e Pattern memory
5f Character repetition reference area memory
5g Document management file
6 Printing device
7 Display section
8 Input section
9 Transmission control unit
10 buses

Claims (5)

In a printing control apparatus for printing a copy check image including a lost image that is not copied by a copying machine and a remaining image that can be copied by a copying machine,
Designating means for designating one of the one of the string or symbol, the remaining image and to not specified in the vanishing image pattern or character string as the erasure image,
Image generation means for adjusting the size of the design designated by the designation means as the lost image or the remaining image according to the character size of the character string designated by the designation means, and generating the copy check image;
Editing means for displaying the copy check image generated by the image generation means and editing the copy check image according to an editing instruction on the display screen;
And control means for printing by the printing device a copy restraining image edited by the editing means,
A printing control apparatus comprising: In a printing control apparatus for printing a copy check image including a lost image that is not copied by a copying machine and a remaining image that can be copied by a copying machine,
Designating means for designating one of a character string or a pattern as the lost image and designating one of a design or a character string not specified in the lost image as the remaining image;
The copy restraint image is generated by adjusting the direction of the design designated by the designating means as the lost image or the remaining image according to the design direction set in association with the character of the character string designated by the designating means. Image generating means for
Editing means for displaying the copy check image generated by the image generation means and editing the copy check image according to an editing instruction on the display screen;
Control means for printing a copy check image edited by the editing means by a printing device;
A printing control apparatus comprising: The image generating means calculates the number of characters for each pattern direction with respect to a character string composed of a plurality of characters, and determines a direction in which the character string and the pattern are combined by selecting a pattern direction having a larger number of characters. The printing control apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the printing control apparatus is a printing control apparatus. A computer that prints a copy check image including a lost image that is not copied by a copier and a residual image that can be copied by a copier ;
Designating means for designating one of a character string or a character string as the lost image and designating one of a character or a character string not designated as the lost image as the remaining image;
Image generating means for adjusting the size of the design designated by the designating means as the lost image or the remaining image according to the character size of the character string designated by the designating means,
Editing means for displaying the copy check image generated by the image generation means and editing the copy check image in accordance with an editing instruction on the display screen;
Control means for printing a copy check image edited by the editing means with a printing device;
Program to function as . A computer that prints a copy check image including a lost image that is not copied by a copier and a residual image that can be copied by a copier ;
Designating means for designating one of a character string or a character string as the lost image and designating one of a character or a character string not designated as the lost image as the remaining image;
The copy restraint image is generated by adjusting the direction of the design designated by the designating means as the lost image or the remaining image according to the design direction set in association with the character of the character string designated by the designating means. Image generating means for
Editing means for displaying the copy check image generated by the image generation means and editing the copy check image in accordance with an editing instruction on the display screen;
Control means for printing a copy check image edited by the editing means with a printing device;
Program to function as .

Images